THEOSISJerome of Stridon
The thirty-fourth encampment is variously interpreted; some suggest 'light,' which would be accurate if the Hebrew term 'Or' were spelled with the initial letter aleph. Others propose 'skin,' which holds true if the letter were ain. Some might suggest 'well,' but this would only be valid with the inclusion of the particle 'get.' However, given its pronunciation as 'ge,' it is more fitting to translate it as 'mount,' indicating that Aaron the priest ascended to the mount of the mount, signifying the peak of the mountain. This leads us to understand that the high priest did not merely perish on any mountain but on the exalted mountain itself, a place worthy of his honor.
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His death coincided with the year that marked the entrance of the new nation into the Promised Land, situated at the edge of the Idumean territory. Though on the mountain he transferred the priesthood to his son Eleazar, ensuring that the law would elevate its fulfillers to the greatest perfection, the heights he occupied were not beyond the waters of the Jordan but at the farthest reach of earthly experiences. The people lamented for him for thirty days. Aaron received mourning, yet Jesus did not receive the same. The law discusses the descent into hell, whereas the gospel speaks of the ascension to heaven.
The Canaanites learned of Israel's arrival, and at the site of the spies, where the people had previously provoked the Lord's anger, they engaged Israel in battle, capturing some. They again confronted them at that very location, and due to a vow, the victor prevailed while the defeated were vanquished, hence that place was named 'Orma,' which translates to anathema.
It is apt for us to acknowledge that the circumstances of humanity in this life are ever-changing, where one may die in the valley, another in the fields, another on a mountain, and not just any mountain, but at its apex. In moments when we find ourselves lacking divine assistance and under siege by adversaries, we must not lose hope for salvation but instead prepare ourselves once more for battle. It may well be that in the same places where we suffered defeat, we shall achieve victory and rejoice in the very locations of our previous captivity.